-- Posted by StripForensics at 12:22 pm on Nov. 8, 2008 Okay, this is an extension of my previous topic about my laptop and the RAM. How exactly do I go about it? I know its an easy enough procedure. But I cannot risk screwing up. So, grounding? How exactly do I do that and do I have to continue to touch the metal while I work? I would think not, but I have heard that you have to and I want to make sure. I've even been told 'not to worry' about it and just put the RAM in. -- Posted by Al Legator at 12:38 pm on Nov. 8, 2008 The chances are good that you will be fine without any precautions but it's best not to take the small chance. Professionals use a conductive strap on one wrist, wired to a grounded conductor. It's not quite as good but you can make your own out of flexible wire, wrapped aroound your bare wrist, tight enough to make near constant contact but loose enough to work and move your hand . The other end should be attached tightly to, ideally, a cold water pipe but more conveniently is the small screw that holds an AC power receptacle face plate on. Obviously be VERY CAREFUl not to insert or let the wire touch the 2 vertical slots in the receptacle. THe right hand one is the "live" side. THe round hole is the normal "ground" and is electriclaly the same as the small screw on the face plate. As I said the odds of you having trouble without a ground strap are slim. If you cannot ground yourself, you can mimimise the risk by working on the computer in a high humidity room- low humidty encourages static electricity which can damage yoru memory. As well, you can frequently just touch a grounded item like a cold water pipe or tap and move slowly, so your clothing will not build up a charge of static as you move. -- Posted by Neodymie at 10:46 pm on Nov. 9, 2008 You really don't have to worry too much about it. Make sure you're on a hard floor. No carpet. Touch something grounded from time to time. Don't use anything electric while you're doing it. You'll be3 fine. -- Posted by drifting at 4:36 pm on Nov. 10, 2008 Take the battery out, keep it unplugged from the wall. Use antistatic devices, such as antistatic mats, wrist straps, etc. Carpet should be avoided. Dont use magnetic tools. It really isnt a huge risk. The likely hood of doing any damage on such a simple task is minimal if you use common sense.